Ratings: ‘Scandal’ Returns Up Double Digits, But ABC Can’t Top CBS

CBS won its third straight night outright on Thursday, despite competition from the returning “Scandal,” which rose 14 percent in the key demo. “American Crime” jumped even more on a percentage basis (up 22 percent), but is still weighing ABC Thursdays down.

Univision ended up tying Fox for third in the demo. The CW finished in last place outright, despite airing originals.

CBS was first in ratings with a 2.1 rating/7 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and in total viewers with an average of 9.6 million, according to preliminary numbers. “The Big Bang Theory” at 8 p.m. earned a 3.7/15 and 14.5 million viewers — both highs on the night. “The Odd Couple” at 8:30 received a 2.2/8 and 9.8 million viewers. “Mom” at 9 posted a 2.2/7 and 9.7 million viewers. Following a rerun, “Elementary” at 10 rose to a 1.4/5 and 7.4 million viewers.

ABC was second in ratings with a 1.9/6 and in viewers with 6.6 million. “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 had a 2.1/8 and 7.6 million viewers. “Scandal” at 9 earned a 2.4/8 and 7.9 million viewers. “American Crime” got a 1.1/4 and 4.4 million viewers.

Fox and Univision tied for third in ratings, both with a 0.9/3. Fox was fourth in total viewers with 4.1 million; Univision was fifth with 2.5 million.

For Fox, “Bones” at 8 got a 1.0/4 and 4.7 million viewers. “Backstrom” received a 0.7/2 and 3.4 million viewers.

Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo upgraded from hooking up in cars to getting married on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." Can anything be sexier than lifelong commitment? Well, their steamy shower last winter might be.

Even if you ignore the fact that Ian Somerhalder is an immortal creature on The CW's "Vampire Diaries," the attraction between him and Nina Dobrev is magnetic.

Whether you've been watching Showtime's Golden Globe-winning drama "The Affair" or not, the steamy ads portraying Ruth Wilson and Dominic West alone should sell you on their chemistry.

Showtime

After a first season of lust from afar, Jonathan Groff's Patrick and Russell Tovey's Kevin are (spoiler alert) sealing the deal in a torrid affair on Season 2 of HBO's "Looking."

HBO

Mindy Kaling was given major props for cutting out several seasons-worth of lingering questions on Fox's "The Mindy Project," jumping right into a romance on-screen with Chris Messina.

FOX

There's always major competition for hottest romance on a romp like "Pretty Little Liars," but Hanna (Ashley Benson) and Caleb's (Tyler Blackburn) rekindled love lands them on our list.

The CW

Fitz and Olivia. Olivia and Fitz. How could we omit them? Even a mercenary kidnapping and black market trade can't stop the "Scandal" lovebirds.

ABC

Good luck getting hotter, heavier and more powerful than Frank (Kevin Spacey) and Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) on Netflix's political drama "House of Cards."

Netflix

Old love is always something to gush over. The force between Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in Starz's "Outlander" would make anyone want to travel centuries back in time and get roped into the life of a dashing Scottish warrior.

Starz

Gina Rodriguez and Justin Baldoni on The CW's "Jane the Virgin" seem destined to be together after sharing a kiss five years ago -- and now they are accidentally expecting a child.

The CW

Fans of "The Walking Dead" have seen Steve Yeun (Glenn) and Lauren Cohan's (Maggie) relationship blossom since Season 2. Both are good looking in their own right, but who can forget their "quickie" in the prison during Season 3?

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Whether they are vampires, doctors, illicit couples or deadly duos, TheWrap picks the Valentine’s Day lovebirds who know how to heat things up all season long

Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo upgraded from hooking up in cars to getting married on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy." Can anything be sexier than lifelong commitment? Well, their steamy shower last winter might be.